Powell River residents are being encouraged to read a report on the city’s economic development plans by City of Powell River councillor Russell Brewer, if they have time.
City councillors approved the plan for Powell River’s economic development at the council meeting on Tuesday, October 1.
“I would recommend this to anyone if you’re bored, get off Facebook or whatever else you do, and take the time to read this,” said Brewer. “There is some really good stuff in the strategy, lots of great initiatives.”
Brewer encouraged residents to look at the plan in the context of sustainable development. He added that the document comes at an important time because city council is starting its strategic planning sessions this week.
The report identifies Powell River’s long-term economic development pathway in accordance with existing policies, such as the Sustainability Charter, the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, City Corporate Strategic Plan and the Sustainable Official Community Plan.
Though the plan outlines a five-year strategy, councillors said that it will inform necessary work over the next couple decades.
Scott Randolph, city manager of economic development, told the finance committee at its September meeting the plan allows the city to move forward with development that contributes to the construction of new infrastructure, investment, business activity and community well-being.
“With any economic development work, it’s about collaboration and partnerships,” said Randolph. “We don’t get anywhere without working with community stakeholders. It’s about facilitating and bringing people together.”
The plan was prepared over the past half year in coordination between with Vancouver’s Lions Gate Consulting and included a variety of community stakeholder meetings, focus groups and surveys.
Councillor Rob Southcott said he was happy to read the report after attending some of the focus-group sessions.
“A lot of work has gone into this. It’s nice to see that it incorporates a lot of feedback from different focus groups they held,” said Southcott. “They are great tools that will carry us forward. We’re all very concerned about economic development in this town and here are ways forward.”
For more information, readers can find the report at bit.ly/1MWYbM6.
